Real ID enacted in all 50 states in response to 9/11 terror attacks

MISSOURI(KBSI) – After May 7, 2025, those who wish to fly domestically will be required to carry a Real ID in response to the 9/11 terror attacks in an attempt to increase security measures for flyers. 

Trish Vincent is the Missouri Department of Revenue Director.

“The federal government came up with ways that states could issue their federal driver’s license and they would have confidence that these folks are who they say they are and there in the country legally and all those sorts of things” says Vincent.

Vincent shares that getting a Real ID will still be optional not mandatory unless traveling domestically. Those who plan on traveling domestically will be required to have a Real ID.  

“Missouri is a unique state as they didn’t pass legislation until 2017 and instead of making it that everyone had to get a Real ID it’s an option for Missourians” says Vincent. “So additionally, if someone is not going to be traveling on a domestic flight or visiting a federal courthouse or whatever they can opt out of not getting a real id.”   

According to the Missouri Department of Revenue the Real ID is the same price as a regular ID, the difference is that you will need more verifying documents for a Real ID then you need for a regular State ID or license.

Vincent shares that the Real ID Act passed congress in 2005 but took some time for states to comply.  

“The federal government was waiting for all 50 states to comply with the Real ID and its maybe like herding cats right. Trying to get every state to pass the law that’s needed and again Missouri didn’t pass it until 2017″ says Vincent. “So now all 50 states in our territory are compliant with Real ID, so now the federal government has said ‘OK, TSA they have to have that license or Real ID license to board domestic flights.” 

For more information on Real ID: Missouri REAL ID Information